Tretinoin
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Side Effects

Tretinoin is a vitamin A derivative called a topical retinoid. It helps clear acne by promoting skin cell turnover.

Tretinoin is usually applied once a day around bedtime.

3.4
1972
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5
22.1%
4
32%
3
21.6%
2
14.9%
1
9.4%

Used Tretinoin? Rate It:

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March 15, 2011

Pros:

- makes SOME redmarks go away
- skin smooth after second month

Cons:

- super super drying, skin peels then cycles to smooth over the course of a week. Even in month four my skin can have a random dry spell.
- acne didn't fully go away, then started to come back
- gave me a huge rash all over my back
- terrible initial breakout
- comedonal acne

I've been using this in the morning and at night for four months. I can honestly say it has been a terrible experience. The initial breakout lasts FOREVER. Not only did it take 1.5 months to go away, but I had breakouts all over my face combined with cysts that I never normally get. After reading all of the reviews I put up with it because of the 'magic third month' where everything clears up and the world shines. Unfortunately that still hasn't happened, actually my acne is returning. When my skIn was lookin up I still had the odd pimple with a fair amount of blackhead things. I call them blackhead things because they were not the traditional blackhead. The thing is that my acne isn't really THAT terrible, but I'm pretty sure mine is 100% genetic. This was the last topical cream on my list so next stop is accutane. Hopefully this product works for others but in my opinion it really wasn't worth the initial breakout or the itchy scaly dryness.
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February 25, 2011

Pros:

- helps
- peeling

Cons:

- slow -.-
- gives the white thing

guys when its peeling it means its good its removin the damaged skin -.- sheese u should b happy -.-
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July 29, 2010

Pros:

- skin is more firm
- a few less pimples
- more color

Cons:

- makes my skin super oily
- have random "dry" patches

Ive only been using it a few days so far and not much has happened. My skin hasnt become painfully dry or sensitive yet, but im still waiting for it to happen. Im also waiting for the initial outbreak to happen. So far my pimples have been going down a little but i do not want to jinx anything :P I do not know what to rate it yet because i just started. I will repost again after a few weeks or so.
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April 16, 2010

Pros:

It worked for a little bit
Makes my skin glow

Cons:

Only worked for a little bit
makes skin extremely dry
Acne is now the same as all ways

At first, This product was amazing, All my acne was all most gone that was 3 months ago, Ive been using this product since December 2009 I was hoping it'd work, For awhile It did. But now the product Isn't helping at all, Its good for awhile.
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October 20, 2009

Pros:

Definitely helps clear skin. New acne turns over quickly.

Cons:

Does not clear 100%. Sun sensitivity. Takes a long time to work (honestly at least 6 months maybe longer for full results)

You have to be extremely patient to use this medication. Initial breakout is awful. I have used this medication for 3 years with a few months off in between (stupid) I had to go through the IB twice!
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October 2, 2009

Pros:

Face is clearing up, not fiully, still a little scarring/darker spots from past acne, but havnt had and cysic acne since i started using it almost a month ago.

Cons:

At first it dries your face A LOT so dr recomended using it once every 3 days for a week then 1 every two days for a week then everyday for the rest to avoid the extra dryness. also it seemed like it stopped working but i just kept with it

This product is not a strong acne medication but it works without all the scary side effects. if you are using this i recommend that to get rid of acne, oilyness, blackheads, etc, wash your face day and night with a simple bar soap (I used a regular Dove Bar Soap), and dry face, at night apply the cream and try not to use any moisturizer. I use Olay classic fragrence but i only used it probably three times because it seems like it causes breakouts. I say avoid moisturizer and avoid special facewash because all the chemicals in the wash is just going to cause more breakouts. Also you should visit your dr they will prob recommend you to take a light antibiotic like i did and they wont ask a ton of questions and its safe the one i have doesnt have any side effects which is nice.
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September 17, 2009

Pros:

See the blackheads and whiteheads pushing themselves toward the surface of the skin.

Cons:

I have mild eczema thus the Retin A has somewhat provoked the irritation already there, leaving it more red and a little dry. Initial breakout now occuring as I'm only on my second week of using it.

I went to the dermatologist 3 weeks ago, and as I only have mild acne, mostly comprising of blackheads and whiteheads across the chin and nose area, the derm suggested I use this. I worked up the dosage of it, so that I had no major reaction to it, other than the expected dryness etc. Because I've only properly been using it 3 weeks, the initial breakout has commenced- joy of joys. However looking at the above comments it seems to be the norm, and most of you have said it has worked wonders, particularly after the third week of using it. I start uni in London on Saturday (two days away) so unfortunately I will not have the skin I wanted for that. However I'm really really hoping this stuff works. I suppose I can't expect it to work any faster than it is, so fingers crossed ey!
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August 21, 2009

Pros:

clearing up my acne
scars are going away nicely
makes skin feel smoth

Cons:

makes skin super oily

ive had this product for about eight weeks and i am finally seeing improvement. from about the 3-6 week period it made my face a whole lot worse. I was considering going off retin-a because it was getting really bad. But, I decided to wait and I am glad I was patient. The thing i don't like about this it makes my skin super oily. i already had oily skin, but nothing compared to what it is now. but im going to get that checked out. i didn't experience any redness or flaking like the other people reviewing this said, so I guess its different for everybody
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August 11, 2009

Pros:

helps reduce scars

Cons:

Blotchy skin, peeeling

I have been using this for about 6 weeks and had a terrible break out. The first 5 weeks went well my skin did clear up a bit but right around 6 weeks had a bad break out. I plan on continuing use but im not very confident in this product
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August 2, 2009

Pros:

none

Cons:

used it over night: when i woke up my skin was very oily, then i washed my face and my skin was flaky and sensitive

i used it for almost a year and saw no difference. i still had a ton of black and white heads.
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Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.
Find a Doctor Using The American Acacemy of Dermatology Website

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.
Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website